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In 1999 the MLN awarded an implementation grant to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art to bring 55 Native American artifacts from storage at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis together with some of our own collections. The exhibition, From One Hand to Another: Native American Treasures from The Children's Museum, opened in April 2000. While keeping to our exhibition plan, our journey of collaboration became more involved as we headed down the road: we strengthened a network of partnerships that benefited our museums and community and forged a lasting relationship with The Children's Museum. The fundamental goal of From One Hand to Another was to provide access to rarely seen Native American objects. The museum wanted to offer visitors the opportunity to draw cross-cultural similarities from viewing such rich collections. There was also a desire to show how the objects and the related stories are used to transmit traditions, values, and customs from one generation to another. Since the Eiteljorg Museum is recognized as a destination to view and interact with arts and artists, we hoped to create a social atmosphere where inter generational sharing and conversation would take place, encouraging longer visits. In addition to The Children's Museum, we benefited immensely from the cooperation of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and its conservator and mount makers, and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, which generously shared the hands-on tipi station plans. Valuable advice came from the Eiteljorg Museum's National Native American Council members and Education Council. Associate Curator of Native American Art and Cultures, Ray Gonyea, helped to make connections with Native American representatives and stories. Artist Rose Pecos SunRhodes, creator of _Storyteller Under Sunny Skies_, inaugurated our artist-in-residence program. As a result of the MLN project, the nature of the exhibition, and the enthusiasm and commitment of the diverse partners, we look forward to future collaboration and discussions. Cathy Burton |